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School Holiday Deals & Experiences

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Going with the family?

We’re often asked about school holiday travel and with good reason. It’s a great way to get out there and experience the world with your family.

There are a variety of tours, cruises and experiences that cater for those travelling in numbers. Check out some of our favourites below!

Our family travel specialists

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Kirsty Howlett

House of Travel Palmerston North: Broadway

I love that Travel experiences gives you lasting memories.

I've worked in almost every area of the travel industry over the last 30 years and have a wealth of experience to help plan your next trip!

Kirsty

Laura Simpson

House of Travel Taupo

When I first started in the travel industry, I didn’t even have a passport! Fast forward a few months, and that had all changed – I hit the ground running on my first overseas adventure, and I haven’t stopped since. Whether it’s getting immersed in the local culture, or ticking off bucket list moments, travel has a unique magic that stays with you forever.

I love using my own travel experience to bring that personal, unique touch to your dream holiday, making a seamless experience from the planning stages right through to your return home. From navigating the bustling metropolis of Hong Kong to exploring the USA on a road trip, there’s a world out there just waiting to be discovered.

Let’s have a chat, and make your travel dreams a reality!

Laura

Bridget Hanrahan

House of Travel Prestons

Bridget has an amazing collection of knowledge from 19 years creating wonderful itineraries for all her clients. She takes the role of research very seriously from finding the finest cocktail to ensuring everyone has the best activity tips!

Her knowledge in cruising, as well as other adventure and family travel combined with her easy approachable manner takes the pain out of planning your trip of a lifetime.

"Designing unique travel experiences is my passion. My attention to detail and always looking for exclusive options ensures that all client's experiences are seamless right from the initial enquiry".

When Bridget is not pouring over brochures for inspiration, you can find her having a game of tennis, finding the next best HOT Chocolate, or spending time with her family.

Years in the industry: 19+

No. of countries visited: 25
Favourite place to visit: Africa

"Travel is the healthiest addiction" - Anonymous

Why I love travel:

For me life is about experiences, not things! I love exploring new places, cultures, environments. I see travel for me as an addiction - I just can't stay away and helping people is so rewarding.

My travel tips:

Travel as soon as you can, don't delay as life is too short.
If you want an adventure head to Antarctica or the Arctic before anywhere else.
Always carry a change of clothes, any valuables and medication in your carry-on luggage. The House of Travel online brochures are a great source of information when planning your journey then we can finetune your holiday for you.

My top 5 destinations:

Africa- Serengeti plains!!! Perfect place to go to create family memories with our young adult kids! Adventure to encounter wildlife and camping in the Serengeti!
Dubai- the mix of culture, sights, architecture, markets, desert and the malls - even though shopping is not my thing.
Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska - I was incredibly fortunate to have a family holiday in Canada, Alaska, Las Vegas and California and I'll never forget rafting on the Nenana River, rounding a bend to see a moose and her two calves taking a drink …. we all forgot to keep paddling; it was an incredible sight!
Rome - the history and the chaos of a bustling city it offers so much culture with a cool vibe.
Thailand - I lived near Chiang Mai as an exchange student many years ago and have been back to the country three times. It is great for families, couples, singles with so much to see and do.

What's in my suitcase?

Happiness - I'm always in my happy place as soon as I travel.
Active wear - Our holidays always include adventure and plenty of travel.
A copy of my passport and insurance policy number and phone number, in case I lose my carryon bag and phone.

Bridget

Nicci Smith

House of Travel Ellerslie

I love everything about travel - the exploring new or much loved places, the landscapes, food, drink, history, culture, language, adventure, time with loved ones and the anticipation!

I have travelled a lot of the world and now love to do so with my family. We return to UK/Europe to visit family but I also love the amazing places we have closer to home - the Pacific Islands, Australia and Asia. I also love getting into the outdoors you can't beat NZ for that.

Planning holidays is my dream job - and taking the time to listen to your needs, make suggestions where needed and matching it all up with something that suits you and your budget is always my goal.

Having worked in travel for 20 years + in a range of roles including wholesale reservations, corporate travel and retail, you can rest assured you are dealing with experience. I am friendly, responsive and efficient, and love to find good deals for my clients.

I really look forward to meeting and working with you.

Nicci

Family travel blogs

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Where to shop, eat and play in Anaheim

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9 Reasons to visit Disneyland Resort in California

Disney’s magic is unlike anything else. Here’s what you don’t want to miss!

Top things to see & do in North America

So the USA is on your list? Good stuff. With a country of such diversity, every state feels completely different. And then there's Canada — a Kiwi fave. Here are a few of our favourite things to see and do in both countries.

7 reasons a beach holiday is actually good for you

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The top 5 South Pacific beaches

Somewhere tropical…somewhere warm, where the waves crash on the white sand beaches and afternoons are spent lazing in warm waters, cocktail in hand. Here are a few of our favourite beaches.

Top 5 family destinations in the Pacific Islands

The best family destinations offer family-friendly facilities, great kids clubs, babysitting services and spacious family accommodation so that you get a holiday that is as relaxing for you as it is exciting for the kids.

A guide to family holidays in Fiji

Here are our favourite resorts for families—every one offering an unforgettable holiday for travellers of all ages.

Top 10 things to do in Rome

Rome is one of the world’s most captivating cities – where ancient ruins and timeless legends rub shoulders with the chic buzz of modern Europe. It’s a place that wears its history proudly, yet never stops reinventing itself.

Why we love Singapore

Singapore is so much more than just a stopover destination. It is a thrilling kaleidoscope of cultures, flavours and experiences – all in one friendly, easy-to-navigate destination. Whether you’re keen to indulge in mouth-watering dishes each night or zip across town to your next adventure, this city is bursting with everything you need for an unforgettable holiday.

Thailand travel tips: What to know before you go

Ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Thailand? From vibrant cities and serene beaches to rich cultural experiences and adventure-filled excursions, our guide has you covered.